The Institute of Medicine hosts its Stearne Lecture 2023
On 30 November 2023, the Institute of Medicine welcomed attendees to its Stearne Lecture, held at No. 6 Kildare Street. The event was also made available to a wider online audience.
This year, the Institute of Medicine had the pleasure of welcoming Professor Dennis McGonagle, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Deputy Director at the NIHR-funded Academic Unit for Musculoskeletal Diseases and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, to deliver the Stearne Lecture. Professor McGonagle has dedicated his career to discovering new possibilities in rheumatology, contributing to shaping how we practice medicine for the patient of the future.
Professor Dennis McGonagle
In his lecture, titled "Immune Disease Classification - This drug might help you, but it will definitely help me!", he drew on his research on tissue microanatomy and the localization of seronegative arthritis to areas of high physical stress and how this led to the modern classification of Immune Mediated Disease.
The annual Stearne Lecture honours Professor John Stearne, who founded what is now the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in 1654 in order to promote the study of medicine, regulate the practice of physicians in Ireland and improve medical care. Professor Stearne was elected the first President of the College in 1667.
During this prestigious event, the Bryan Alton Medal, which is awarded in recognition of significant contribution to clinical and academic medicine, was presented to Professor Timothy O’Brien.
Professor O’Brien is Professor of Medicine at the University of Galway, Clinical Director for Medicine in SAOLTA, Director of the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), and Co-Director of the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland (CCMI). Prof O’Brien, a clinician, educator, and researcher, has demonstrated an exceptional ability to translate theory and clinical research into treatment solutions and patient care. He has revolutionized stem cell therapy, particularly in the West where he established Ireland’s first human stem cell manufacturing facility at the University of Galway in 2006.
Professor Anthony O'Regan, Dean of the Institute of Medicine, and Professor Timothy O'Brien
Professor O'Brien gave a presentation on “A translational journey in stem cell research in the West of Ireland”, sharing insights on a challenging journey to establish a fit for purpose facility from the ground up to be able to conduct the first in person stem cell clinical trials in Ireland.
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